Kalachakra for World Peace
The Visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Washington DC
July 6 – 16, 2011
This past July, Washington DC was graced by the presence of one of the world’s greatest living spiritual leaders – His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. The Dalai Lama came to DC to perform a rare Kalachakra for World Peace, a 10-day ritual of prayers, teaching, and performance that culminated in the Empowerments. In spiritual terms, the Kalachakra was a ceremony devoted to “achieving the harmony of inner and outer peace, … (offering) an infinitely valuable and powerful antidote to the forces of ill will and divisiveness.” 1
Initiatives for China was closely involved in many activities related to the Dalai Lama’s 10-day visit. This included the Opening Ceremony (Birthday Party), a series of protests at the Chinese Embassy, and a weekend Conference on Democratic China and the Future of Tibet which brought together Chinese and Tibetan nationals in serious dialogue and featured a visit by His Holiness.
1) Opening Ceremony
Initiatives for China attended the Opening Ceremony which took place at the Verizon Center on July 6. July 6 was chosen as a particularly auspicious day in part because it was the Dalai Lama’s 76th birthday. Although, asHis Holiness mentioned with his characteristic humility, “birthday is not so important. In my tradition, the death anniversary is more important.” (Laughter from the audience). “Every day is a new day,” he went on. “Every day is birth day.” He then asked the audience to make a pledge to follow non-violent principles. The best gift for my birthday! he declared. To practice compassion and to promote inner values.
As a long-time proponent of nonviolent principles and democratic governance for all peoples living under PRC rule, IFC President Dr Yang Jianli was chosen to represent the Chinese people during the presentation of scarves ceremony. This was a traditional greeting procession of representatives from Buddhist practicing countries: Tibet, India, Mongolia, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, and the U.S as host country. As the Chinese representatives appeared on stage, a large number of Chinese in the audience burst into applause. The Dalai Lama, gracious as always, smiled and extended his blessings to all.
Dr. Yang Jianli presents His Holiness Khata on behalf of the Chinese people
2) Protests Against the Chinese Government
Outside, a variety of protest actions against the harsh and repressive policies of the Chinese government took place during HHDL’s 10-day visit. Many advocacy organizations were out in force, calling for a Free Tibet and an end to Chinese dictatorship. Others demanded the release of their countrymen and women, so wrongfully imprisoned for speaking out in favor of independence and democracy. Still others called for a stop to the dissolution of their language, culture and identity, and asked all Tibetans to take steps to reclaim their ancient and proud heritage.
Initiatives for China participated in protests outside the Chinese Embassy along with their Tibetan brothers and sisters. IFC members spoke out forcefully against the government’s repression of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Christians, Mongolians and the many spiritual and ethnic groups found within present-day China’s borders who are routinely the subjects of harassment, detention, imprisonment and torture. Not to mention the ‘political elite’, those dissidents and intellectuals from within China’s Han majority who advocate for a future China based on the principles of democracy, freedom, and constitutionally protected rights. For these ‘crimes’ they are sentenced to long terms of harsh imprisonment and denied the very freedoms which they believe so strongly in. Initiatives for China shares their beliefs in the ideals and values of democracy, and takes every opportunity to speak out and to act on behalf of those who cannot now do so, whose every freedom is stolen from them by a corrupt authoritarian regime whose only interest is in maintaining extreme control over its large populace.
3) The Conference
Democratic China and the Future of Tibet: A Dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This Conference sponsored by the Princeton China Initiative brought together almost 100 Chinese and Tibetans to engage in serious discussions on the nature of the Chinese-Tibetan relationship. Initiatives for China played a role in both the organization of the Conference and in the facilitation of the discussions, lending their expertise on a variety of matters and topics. The Conference emphasized the common experience of the two peoples under the Communist Chinese government for the past 60 years, and explored the emerging dual themes of 1) the development of democracy among the Tibetan community-in-exile, and 2) the significance of the Dalai Lama’s voluntary devolution of his political authority. The Conference was highlighted by a visit from the Dalai Lama himself (oh the security in the building!), and by the introduction of his political successor, the Kalon Tripa-elect Mr Lobsang Sangay. Yang Jianli of Initiatives for China had the honor of introducing Mr. Sangay to the audience as his friend and colleague from their days together as student activists at Harvard. All in the audience were impressed with the new leader as he spoke quietly but compellingly of his beliefs and his strategies for the upcoming term. Later, Mr. Sangay invited Dr Yang to lead a delegation of Chinese to attend his inauguration in Dharamsala, India.
The Kalon Tripa-elect Prime Minister of Tibetan Government in Exile Lobsang Sangay and Dr. Yang Jianli
Kunga Tashi, Chinese Liaison officer, makes his point to Lobsang Sanggay and Dr. Yang Jianli
Han Lianchao of Initiatives for China takes his places at the podium
1 Welcome message from the Co-Chairs of the Kalachakra for World Peace 2011: Mr. Kaldon Lodoe and Mr. Lobsang Nyandak.